by WHAT IS A MANDALA?
A mandala is a beautiful and intricate circular design made up of repeating patterns and shapes. The word comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means “circle” or “center.” While mandalas are visually stunning, they are more than just art—they are spiritual symbols used in various cultures to represent the universe, inner peace, and the journey toward self-discovery.
Mandalas have ancient roots, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism. In these traditions, mandalas are used for meditation and ritual. One powerful example comes from Tibetan Buddhism. In 1988, monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery were invited to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. There, they created an intricate sand mandala over several days using fine colored sand and metal funnels called chak-pur. The process was slow and meditative, drawing crowds of curious visitors. Once the mandala was complete, the monks did something unexpected—they swept it away and released the sand into a nearby river. This symbolic act emphasized a central Buddhist teaching: impermanence. Nothing in life lasts forever, and the beauty of the mandala reminds us to appreciate each moment.
Mandalas are not exclusive to Buddhism or Hinduism. In Native American culture, mandala-like patterns are used in healing ceremonies and sand paintings. In Christianity, circular stained-glass windows, like the rose windows of European cathedrals, also reflect mandala symbolism, representing unity and the divine. Even in psychology, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung recognized the power of mandalas. He used them in therapy, believing that when people draw or view mandalas, they reveal parts of their subconscious and move toward personal balance.
Here are a few fascinating facts that many people don’t know:
- Mandalas can be found in nature—sunflowers, spider webs, and galaxies all reflect circular patterns.
- Coloring mandalas is now a popular therapeutic tool, shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Ancient mandalas were often aligned with the cosmos, used as a guide for sacred architecture and meditation.
Whether used for prayer, healing, or simply calming the mind, mandalas are a universal language of harmony. They remind us that life moves in circles—always returning to the center, where peace can be found.
